This Week In Rock History: August 5 – August 11

The Beatles hit album “Abbey Road” is known for the high level of musicality as well as the iconic album art. On Friday, August 8, 1969 photographer Ian Macmillian gathered the four musicians on the crosswalk in front of their recording studio, which was later renamed Abbey Road as well. This is still probably one of the most recognizable album covers and debated photos in music.

Sly and the Family Stone, “Hot Fun In The Summertime” was released: August 9, 1969

Stevie Wonder’s Fingertips (part 2) is first live recording to hit #1: August 10, 1963

Cream’s Wheels of Fire Hits #1: August 10, 1968

Bruce Springsteen’s The Rising hits #1: August 11, 2002

And here is the good stuff…This week in rock History

– Kim Fowley forms the first all-female hard-rock band, The Runaways, which featured Joan Jett, future Bangle Michael Steele, and Lita Ford. We like female rock bands, and we highly encourage more of them (check out Katy Guillen and the Girls and Larkin Poe for two other great examples): August 5, 1975

–Stevie Wonder signs largest contract for single artist in history $13 million for 7 albums in 7 years: August 5, 1975

–Rod Stewart makes TV debut on BBC: August 6, 1964

–Johnny Winter, Paul Simon, Janis Joplin, and Steppenwolf perform at the Concert for Peace at Shea Stadium: August 6, 1970

–Ramones play final show in Hollywood: August 6, 1996

– Christine Perfect, who was married to bass player John McVie, joins her husband’s band, Fleetwood Mac. She was the first female member of the group, but would not be the last: August 7, 1970

– The band Yes are given their own day in Philadelphia: August 7, 2002

– Abbey Road’s cover photo is taken: August 8, 1969

– As iconic blues singer Bessie Smith had been buried without a headstone after her death, big fan of Smith Janis Joplin purchases one for the late vocalist. A touching gesture from the amazing Janis Joplin: August 8, 1970

– Robert Zimmerman legally changes his name to Bob Dylan: August 9, 1962

– For the first time ever, Bob Dylan and Joan Baez play live together. The momentous occasion occurred at the Newport Folk Festival. The song chosen for the duet was “With God on Our Side”. A match made in musical heaven if ever there was one: August 9, 1964

– Queen gave their last performance as a band with Freddy Mercury at the Knebworth Park Festival in England. Mercury was a tragic loss for music, and we still can’t get enough of watching old Queen videos: August 9, 1986

– KISS reunites! The occasion was an episode of MTV Unplugged. The original lineup of KISS had not played together since 1980, 15 years prior. The show was performed without makeup, and went so swimmingly that the original lineup decided to keep going as a band. New members Bruce Kulick and Eric Singer consequently, were forced out: August 9, 1995

–Elton John makes history by playing a ten night run of concerts at Madison Square Garden: August 10, 1976

– The High Numbers, who later became The Who, played a show in Harrow, England when Roger Daltrey’s father-in-law stormed into the venue. He dragged Daltrey outside and the two began to fight. Meanwhile, the show must go on, so the band played without Daltrey until the fight was broken up and Roger could return: August 11, 1964

– Keith Moon goes to the hospital. He had sustained injuries while trashing his room at The Fountainbleu Hotel. Being a rock star is hard and dangerous work: August 11, 1976

– Led Zeppelin play their final UK show ever at the Knebworth House. Though many people still call for a Led Zeppelin reunion with the three surviving members, it does not seem likely at this point: August 11, 1979

– Johnny Cash duets with Miss Piggy on The Muppet Show. They played “Jackson”. June Carter was probably pretty jealous: August 11, 1980

– Patrick Ortiz

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